BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY

BSc HONS DEV STUDIES and BSc HONS DISASTER MANAGEMENT INDUSTRIAL
ATTACHMENT GUIDELINES

1. Rationale
Bindura University of Science Education holds the conviction that comprehensive training is
provided when sound theoretical knowledge is combined with acquisition of practical skills.

There is need for students to have “hands-on” experience in order to appreciate the theory
acquired at the University so that in the end we have a graduate who ‘hits the ground running’
rather than becoming stuck the time they leave university.

To achieve this, we believe there is need for partnerships with the Corporate world, Industry,
Government Institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations etc for our students to be attached
during their period of training so that they gain work experience.

2. Aim of Industrial Attachment

The aim of industrial attachment is to provide students with opportunity to observe the
management operations in a typical business organisation; private sector; public sector or non-
government organisations (NGOs) and to experience the work of life in these sectors.

2.1 Objectives of Industrial Attachment.

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
Acquire basic understanding of the goals, structures, functions and operations of an
organisation in a non-government, private or public sector in development issues;
Identify the professional skills required in managing development programs;
Apply some of the concepts and skills learnt at University in a real work settings;
Demonstrate attitudes and personal values in accordance with the requirements of working
in the sector; and identify own strengths and weaknesses with regard to employment in the
sector;
Allow students to appreciate Zimbabwe’s main partners in community development
programmes and their interdependence;
Assist the University remain compatible/relevant to the needs of Commerce and Industry
and thus promoting good relationship between the University and the Corporate World;
Provide employers the opportunity to assess students for possible future development.

3. Duration of Industrial Attachment

Normally the duration of industrial attachment shall be 8-12 months.

4. Industrial Attachment Guidelines

These guidelines are for students and host organisations.

4.1 Guidelines for Students

4.1.1 The student is subject to the University and the organisation’s regulations during the
industrial attachment.
Page 1 of 14
 4.1.2 The student is expected to :
(i). Confirm with the host organisation’s regulations and discipline,
(ii).Fulfill the mentor’s instruction concerning the training process,
(iii). Submit quarterly reports to the department during the period of attachment
(iv). Take part in Industrial Attachment only with educational purpose in mind according to
the ultimate instruction of the mentor,
(v). Put his or her best efforts to acquire extensive knowledge and skills in order to achieve the
required standard of training,
(vi). Keep good relations with all staff of the organisation,
(vii). Promote the good name of Bindura University of Science Education.

4.1.3 The choice of an organisation for attachment must not be based on the probable monetary
benefits that the students may gain,

4.1.4 The student must always bear in mind that his/her conduct during the attachment period
will reflect not only on him/her but also on the University and that it may affect
considerably the future attachment placement and the relationship between the university
and the organisation,

4.1.5 Students shall not receive any extra financial support from the University during their
attachment.

4.2 Guidelines for Organisations

4.2.1 The student will be subject to the organisation’s regulations and is expected to function
like a full time employee.

4.2.2 The organisation is requested to provide the student with every opportunity to function
like a full time employee and permit him/her to actively participate in all aspects of the
business including management and administration except where confidentiality
constraints may not permit his/her participation.

4.2.3 Wherever possible, the organisation is requested to assist the student by providing welfare
measures such as accommodation, access to canteen facilities, etc

4.2.4 If an organisation wishes to pay the student an allowance, the arrangement is only between
the two parties, that is, the student and the organisation involved.

5. Expectations/Responsibilities

5.1 The Student

Complete Student Confirmation of Placement Form (DGA.1) within two weeks of
placement and Industrial Attachment Orientation Form (DGA.2) during orientation.
Create an attachment file for:
 Diary
 Weekly reports
 Copies of Quarterly reports
In liaison with the industrial mentor, draw up an outline programme of activities (work
and training) to be undertaken during the placement period.

Page 2 of 14
 In consultation with the industrial mentor, to write factual quarterly reports about the
attachment as per guidelines given and highlighting progress made and problems
encountered. The last of these reports to be all encompassing.
To give an oral presentation of the presentation of the final report before it is presented for
marking.
To strictly adhere to organizational hours of business; punctuality and attendance.
Approach work diligently, show initiative and creativity and take responsibility for tasks
and actions.
Respect the confidentiality of both the placement organisation and that of Bindura
University of Science Education.
Keep the department informed of any problems relating to the placement programme
which cannot be solved the local level.
Notify the department of any significant matters in the placement programme e.g.
Relocation of the company or any emergency that may affect the smooth running of the
placement programme.
Observe the rules and conditions laid down by the placement company but also, to act
within the rules and regulations governing the conduct of students of Bindura University
of Science education. In this regard, to be an ambassador of the University.
A student who is not disciplined at work will face disciplinary action at the University.

NOTE: The student should NEVER make arrangements to quit or indeed quit the
placement organisation without approval from the department.

5.2 The Placement Institution

Complete the student placement form as soon as the student is settled down, certainly
before the first visit by the academic supervisor.
Assign a member of the organisation to work with and act as a mentor to the student.
To advise the student on matters and information on the institution’s regulations and code
of conduct.
To complete the Student’s Confirmation of Attachment Form (DGA.1) within a week of
the student taking up the placement and Orientation Form (DGA.2) after the orientation
exercise.
To guide, assist and assess the student throughout the placement period.
To acknowledge sight of copy of the student’s quarterly reports by signing the final page
of each report submitted to the University as provided. Organisation may keep a copy of
each report as necessary.
To notify the University through the Chairman of the Department of any significant
changes or developments in the placement programme other than those covered here that
may affect the industrial attachment learning period.
To grant permission and facilitate the student to carry out research in the organisation.

5.3 Visits by Academic Supervisors

During the placement period, the student will be visited by academic supervisors from the
University.
5.3.1 Purpose of Visit
The purpose of the visit is to maintain contact with the student and the organisation and to assess
the performance and the progress made by the student.
5.3.2 Number of Visits

Page 3 of 14
 Ideally, three visits should be made. In the event of some challenges being faced, two might
suffice.
5.3.3 Assessment
During the visit(s), the academic supervisor will talk to both the student and the placement
supervisor. The attachment file should be available at all times and kept up to date.

6. Assessments
The assessments of Industrial Attachment shall require that a Panel of Examiners from the
Department determine, for each student, a coursework assessment mark, a final mark for student’s
quarterly reports, and an overall mark. The Industrial Attachment mark would be based on;
The student’s industrial/organisation mentor assessments reports,
Two assessment visits made by the student’s supervisor(s) to the industry/organisation of
attachment,
The four student’s Industrial Training environment reports submitted to the Department,
Attachment Report
Note: The mark attained during Industrial Attachment, shall be equivalent to 10 Courses i.e. 40
Credits.

7. Reports
The student is expected to submit four quarterly reports and the Attachment Report.

7.1 Quarterly Reports

The Industrial Attachment (IA) Reports are an integral part of the total attachment programme
and are an essential component for the fulfillment of the IA requirements. The reports should be
submitted to the Departmental Office quarterly. Failure to comply with this requirement will lead
to failure in IA hence delaying a student’s graduation status

The student is required to write these reports during the industrial attachment. These reports
should be written be wriiten in consultation with the mentor. The mentor’s role is to check on the
accuracy of the information and to screen for confidentiality and pass information for publication.
Should the organisation allow confidential information to pass for publication, then the report
should be marked ‘confidential’ on the cover

7.2 The Attachment Report

The student is expected to submit a comprehensive and overall report before 30 June. The report
will cover the first three quarters during which the student would have been on attachment.

7.3 Guidelines on Writing Industrial Attachment Report

Well-organised and easily readable reports are expected. The grading of the reports will therefore
be based primarily on the manner of presentation with some evidence of technical reporting skills.
The following points are provided as general guidelines on writing a good report:
7.3.1 Diary
Keep a diary to help you record daily information/events. This step is to ensure that the
information is recorded when it is still fresh.
7.3.2 Style and Content
Straightforward functional style of writing is recommended. Describe all pertinent facts, work
experience and observation without extraneous information.
7.3.3 Clarity
Clarity and readability may be improved by ensuring that:
Page 4 of 14
 Coherent ideas are grouped in separate paragraphs;
Sentences are grammatically correct;
Punctuation marks are properly placed;
Words are properly spelt; and
The report should be typed.
7.3.4 Headings
The report should be written under headings arranged in the following manner:
Report Cover
Title Page
Executive Summary
To summarize your industrial attachment experience in not more than 100 words.
Acknowledgements
To acknowledge training provided by the management of the company; the assistance
received from other persons during training, within or outside the host organisation.
Main Text
The attachment program, its schedule, assignment and objectives may be described. The
assignments undertaken in chronological sequence, the technical and other implementation
details may as so be described.

7.3.5 Report Content

The report should capture, among other things, the following details:
7.3.5.1 Description and analysis of the organisation in relation to its
Vision, Mission and Objectives
Historical Development
Workplace organizational structure, specifying the department or section in which the
work experience is being undertaken.
7.3.5.2 An outline of the work-placement organisation in terms of its operations; considering the
following;
7.3.5.3 The principal services and characteristics
7.3.5.4 The main markets/community/audience/clients served and their characteristics
7.3.5.5 Considering the application of theoretical concepts, outline the host organisation in terms
of;
The industry in which the organisation operates.
The principal products and or services.
The main markets or stakeholders served.
Other organisations that take part in community development programmes in the area,
The impact of the changing environment, social attitudes, the economy, and government
policies upon the community served by the organisation.
The type of technology used.

7.3.5.6 Describe and analyse the work roles, tasks and responsibilities of the work experience.
7.3.5.7 Identify and analyse any differences/discrepancies between the degree programme in
terms of theory studied at college and the work practices carried out at organisation of
placement.
7.3.5.8 Conclusion
Key issues from the presentation.
7.3.5.9 References
If any, references to manuals and other pertinent literature should be listed.

Page 5 of 14
 7.3.6 Submission requirements
Reports should be typed and spiral bound.
Times New Roman, font 12 and 1.5 line spacing.
The first three reports to be submitted quarterly i.e. end of respective third month.
The fourth quarter report will be submitted on completion of the attachment.
The Attachment Report, comprehensive report due 30 June.

7.4 Forms
The following forms shall be used during attachment and each student should receive and
complete the relevant as per respective instructions

Form Number Form Name

Form DGA 1 Student Confirmation of Placement Form
Form DGA 2 Industrial Attachment Orientation Form
Form DGA 3 Industrial Attachment Mentor Assessment Form
Form DGA 4 Industrial Attachment Department’s Assessment Form
Form DGA 5 Industrial Attachment Feedback Form

Important: This guideline should be availed to the host organisation

7.5 The Research Project

While out on attachment, it is hoped that the student will work on their research, but submission
will be by 30 May in the 4th year. The guidelines for this course are issued out separately. Each
student is expected to secure a copy for use throughout data collection and compilation.

Form DGA 1
Page 6 of 14
 BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

Student Placement Form

(Complete in duplicate and submit to Chairperson of the Department of
Geography)

A. Student
Details
Student Reg No.: …………………………..
Surname : ………………………………………………………………………………………
First Name : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Sex : ………………………………………………………………………………………
National I. D. : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Programme : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Contact
Address : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone : ………………………………………………………………………………………
E-mail : ………………………………………………………………………………………

Placement
Organisation : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Contact :
Address ………………………………………………………………………………………
Physical :
Address ………………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Fax : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Supervisor’s
Name : ………………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone : ………………………………………………………………………………………
E-mail : ………………………………………………………………………………………

This is to confirm that the above stated student commenced work-related learning at
this organisation this…………….day of ………………..200…

Signed…………………………………………..
Supervisor

Form DGA. 2

Page 7 of 14
 BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT ORIENTATION FORM
((Complete in duplicate and submit to Chairperson of the Department)

NAME OF STUDENT …………………………………Programme…………………………….

2 REG NUMBER …………………………………………………………………….
3 PLACEMENT …………………………………………………………………….
INSTITUTION
4 COMMENCEMENT …………………………………………………………………….
DATE

TASK DATE
1 Introduction to key members of staff
2 Allocation of work area
3 Allocation of work supervisor
4 Geography of work place
Conveniences …………...
Resource Centres ……………
Fire ……………
Canteen ……………
Health and Safety facilities ……………
5 Code of Conduct/Work Place Regulations
5 Dress Code
6 Other Issues (Indicate)
…………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………
…………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………
…………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………
………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………….

Student’s Signature …………………………………………………Date ………………………..

Mentor’s Signature ……………………………………………….. Date Stamp

Page 8 of 14
 Form DGA. 3
BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT ASSESSMENT FORM

FACULTY OF SCIENCE
(For completion by Industrial Mentor)

Name:_________________________________________ Reg No: ___________________

Programme: ____________________________________ Year: _____________________
Name of Company: ______________________________ Mentor: ___________________

Tick in the scale rating against each attribute. A rating of ‘1’ means very weak, and ‘5’ represents very good.

FOR
CRITERIA RATING UNIVERSITY
USE ONLY
1. Understanding the Host Organisation 1 2 3 4 5
a. Core business of the organisation
b. Knowledge of the requirements
c. Ability to meet targets
d. Organisational Structure
Total Score [Frame1]
2. Quality of Work 1 2 3 4 5
a. Planning
b. Skilfulness
c. Thoroughness
d. Accuracy
e. Neatness
Total Score [Frame2]
3. Attitude 1 2 3 4 5
a. Ability to work under pressure
b. Communication
c. Consultation
d. Cooperation with seniors
e. Cooperation in teamwork
Total Score [Frame3]
4. Motivation 1 2 3 4 5
a. Interest in work
b. Punctuality
c. Initiativeness/creativity
d. Decision making
e. Leadership potential
Total Score [Frame4]
5. Logbook/Diary 1 2 3 4 5
a. Availability/Informative/Objective
Total Score [Frame5]

6. For Items (a) to (e) below, specify and rate any 1 2 3 4 5

additional key technical skills as applicable to the
specific department to which the student is attached

Page 9 of 14
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Total Score [Frame6]

TOTAL SCORE (University use only) [Frame7]

Please provide details of deficiencies (Any specific skills lacking; objectives or targets not achieved.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________

General
Comments:_______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

Signature of Mentor:__________________Designation_____________ Office Stamp___________

Signature of Student:__________________Date_________________________________________

Page 10 of 14
 Form DGA. 4
BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
Cell: 263-773 275334; 263-772 390035; 263-772 487211

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT DEPARTMENT ASSESSMENT FORM

(To be complete in triplicate: personal, host and department)

Name:_________________________________________ Reg No: ___________________

Programme: ____________________________________ Year: _____________________
Name of Company: ______________________________ Lecturer: ___________________

Tick in the scale rating against each attribute. A rating of ‘1’ means very weak, and ‘5’ represents very good.

FOR
CRITERIA RATING UNIVERSITY
USE ONLY
1. Understanding the Host Organisation 1 2 3 4 5
a. Core business of the organisation
b. Knowledge of the requirements
c. Ability to meet targets
d. Organisational Structure
Total Score [Frame1]
2. Quality of Work 1 2 3 4 5
a. Planning
b. Skilfulness
c. Thoroughness
d. Accuracy
e. Neatness
Total Score [Frame2]
3. Attitude 1 2 3 4 5
a. Ability to work under pressure
b. Communication
c. Consultation
d. Cooperation with seniors
e. Cooperation in teamwork
Total Score [Frame3]
4. Motivation 1 2 3 4 5
a. Interest in work
b. Punctuality
c. Initiativeness/creativity
d. Decision making
e. Leadership potential
Total Score [Frame4]
5. Logbook/Diary 1 2 3 4 5
a. Availability/Informative/Objective
Total Score [Frame5]

Page 11 of 14
6. For Items (a) to (e) below, specify and rate any 1 2 3 4 5
additional key technical skills as applicable to the
specific department to which the student is attached
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Total Score [Frame6]

TOTAL SCORE (University use only) [Frame7]

Please provide details of deficiencies (Any specific skills lacking; objectives or targets not achieved.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________

General
Comments:_______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

Signature of Lecturer__________________

Signature of Student:__________________Date_________________________________________

Page 12 of 14
 Form DGA. 5
BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

Student Attachment Feedback

(To be submitted by 30 May to Chairperson (Department of Geography) after
completion of attachment)

Name of Student :…………………………………………… Programme ……………………...

Reg Number : …………………………………………... Part ……………………………...
Place of Attachment : ………………………………………………………………………………..
Supervisor’s Name :…………………………………………………………………………………
Sup’s Contact Details : Tel ……………………………………………………………………...
Address…………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………….
1. Job Description (Nature of duties)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
2. Essential basic skills required of the job
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
3. Technical skills required of the job
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….
4. Relevance of what has been learnt so far to the work situation
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….
5. If there is a gap between the job requirements and what has been learnt, what suggestions would you
propose?

Page 13 of 14
 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………….
6. What would you suggest to make future attachment more rewarding to the learning process?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
7. Any other comments
(and suggestions)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Page 14 of 14